80 History of Hingham. 



was preached by Rev. Charles Lynch, of North Adams, Mass. 

 The following clergymen also took a part in the ceremonies : 

 Rev. M. Moran, Abington ; Rev. Thomas McNulty, North Bridge- 

 water; Rev. James Sullivan, Quincy ; Rev. Michael Supple, 

 Charlestown ; Rev. Michael Lane, and Rev. F. Dolan, South Bos- 

 ton. The services were conducted in the presence of a large con- 

 gregation. 



The energy of Father Smyth was unceasing in urging on the 

 completion of the church, and it was so far finished as to be dedi- 

 cated July 23, 1872, a testimony at once of the pastor's zeal and 

 the people's earnestness. 



Among the clergymen present at the dedication were the 

 Right Rev. John J. Williams, Bishop of Boston ; Rev. James A. 

 Healey, St. James Church, Boston ; Rev. Sherwood Healey, rector 

 of the Cathedral ; and Rev. Peter A. McKenna, of Marlboro'. A 

 choir under the direction of Mr. Lloyd, of St. James Church, 

 Boston, sang with good effect. The ceremony of dedication was 

 performed by the Right Rev. Bishop according to the ritual, which 

 was followed by the Mass, at which Rev. Sherwood Healey offici- 

 ated. The sermon was preached by Rev. Peter A. McKenna, 

 of Marlboro'. 



The church is of wood and its dimensions are one hundred and 

 eleven by fifty-six feet, with a tower and spire one hundred and 

 twenty-eight feet high. In the basement is a spacious vestry 

 with a number of anterooms connected with it. The interior 

 has a finish of chestnut capped with black walnut. The architect 

 was P. C. Kelley, of Brooklyn, N. Y. It has numerous windows 

 of stained glass, which were contributed by devoted members of 

 the parish. 



For some time the pastor, Father Smyth, was assisted in his 

 parish work by Rev. Peter J. Leddy. When Hingham was made 

 a separate parish, Father Leddy was appointed pastor. He was 

 an affable and genial man, respected in the town. He died 

 here, much lamented, Jan. 15, 1880. 



Father Leddy was followed by Rev. Gerald Fagan, the present 

 pastor. 



During a portion of the time Father Fagan was assisted by 

 Rev. Hugh J. Mulligan. 



The church is dedicated to Saint Paul. 



This church has a larger membership than any other in the 

 town, and is active in all matters relating to the work of the 

 Roman Catholics. 



In reviewing the ecclesiastical history of New England much 

 has been written about the intolerance of our Puritan ancestors, — 

 those " holy and humble men of heart " by whom our Colonies 

 were planted. Mr. Winthrop speaks of them as " sublime exam- 



